Sarb Johal's Blog, page 5

Covid19 Case Tests Positive After Returning From Wellington: Keeping Safe

While we wait patiently for more information about possible Covid19 transmission in Wellington to be collated, prepared and released, let’s figure out how we can continue to be ready for this scenario as it unfolds, and if it happens again.

If your scanning has dropped off – and for the majority, it has – this is another wake-up call about why we need to keep QR code scanning. Time travel isn’t possible. We can’t go back and start scanning. Start scanning now and KEEP DOING IT.

You don’t know when then next possible infection scenario will unfold. You can’t see the virus, you can’t know where people have been. All you can do is leave a breadcrumb trail so this can be pieced together later to hopefully avoid lockdowns.

QR code scanning is laying breadcrumbs

If you don’t make a trail, we can’t see where the trails may have crossed or come into close contact easily. It can be done, but it takes more time. And in that time, the more infections virus may spread.

Save time. Save lockdowns. Scan.

Consider wearing a mask. You’ve got nothing to lose and we all have potentially a lot to gain. Keep watching and listening for places of interest as we find out more to understand how any potential path of infection may have crossed your breadcrumb trail.

We can work through this. Take care out there.

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Steady announced as Finalist in 2021 International Book Awards

Absolutely delighted to be honoured as an Award-Winning Finalist in the Health: Psychology and Mental Health category of the 2021 International Book Awards for my book, “Steady: A Guide to Better Mental Health Through and Beyond the Coronavirus Pandemic”

Thank you

… to the nominating committee and all those who have bought the book and supported me in its production.

I couldn’t have done this without you.

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Appearing on Making Waves: Conversations with Influencers and Disruptors June 30

I’m very pleased to tell you that I’ll be appearing on Making Waves: Conversations with Influencers and Disruptors, June 30 (Pacific Time). This is part of the TEDxSantaBarbara community, and I’m looking forward to not only connecting back with this community and Mark Sylvester who will be interviewing, but also with the wider TEDx world. I love being in California, and have visited often when I’ve had the chance. I can’t wait to be able to visit again soon and in person. Until then, please tune in to our conversation, and lots of previous conversations you can find on the site.

 

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Front Page of Twizel Update: Speaking on June 28

Yesterday, I had a great chat with the Editor of the Twizel Update, resulting in a front page story of this week’s issue.

This is ahead of me visiting Twizel on June 28th to do a public talk in the evening at the Events Centre from 7-8.30pm on COVID-19 and our future from a psychological and social perspective.

It’s free entry and all are welcome

I’ll be sure to leave plenty of time for questions too. If you read my blog and will be attending, please do make sure you come and say hello!

 

 

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The Reviews For The Little Book of Sleep Are Starting To Come In: And They Are 5 STAR

My new book has been out for a little over two weeks now – it feels so much longer some how.

And the good news is that reviews are coming in

And I’m so pleased to say that people are enjoying the book and finding it useful.

Here’s another 5 star review from Richard Hulse

Richard is based in New Zealand. You can find the original on his website here.

So, for the price of a large coffee, you can solve your sleep problems

Buy my new book here.

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Register for my LIVE online workshop on August 3: Empathy Fatigue and Burnout – Real Threats, Real Solutions

I’m honoured to be running this in partnership with the Mental Health Education & Resource Centre from 9-11am on August 3rd. Empathy fatigue is sometimes referred to as the ‘cost of caring.’

This workshop acknowledges the impact that it may have for those in caring roles especially in these pandemic times when many have also been experiencing ‘caution fatigue’.

I’ll be telling you about real tools to help in real-life.

The registration link is here

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Interview with Men’s Health UK: Resilience to Stress

It was great to be invited to talk with Men’s Health UK on how to spot and manage daily stress, and how technology can help. In this case, the magazine was featuring a Fitbit device. Personally, I have started using an Apple Watch over the past year during my own experience of trying to manage my own levels of stress, having switched over from Fitbit. And I have to say that not only does the Apple Watch perform much better than I could have imagined, giving me so many insights into my health and wellbeing, but the Apple Fitness+ app has been an exercise change for me. If you can discipline yourself to use it, I can highly recommend it. And by far my favourite trainer on there is Bakari – he is amazing!

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Interview on Good Day Chicago about The Little Book of Sleep

I got invited on to Good Day Chicago at 2.30am NZ time to talk about my new book, The Little Book of Sleep.

There is a not-so-delicious irony about how this wrecked my sleep for the night.

But I didn’t manage to get some sleep in the end.

Here it is, in all it’s glory, for you to enjoy.

 

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Mid-Year Mental Health Tips Refresher

Everyday life can be demanding.

When things seem like they are getting on top of you, here’s a brief reminder of helpful wellbeing behaviours. Try these prompts to preserve your balance, or re-balance yourself.

1. Value yourself:

Try to be kind and avoid self-criticism. Whether you want to broaden your horizons or make time for your hobbies, it’s up to you. Take dance lessons, learn to play an instrument, or do a daily crossword puzzle – do things you enjoy.

2. Surround yourself with good people:

Most of us have networks of different people. It might include family members, friends, co-workers, classmates, neighbours and other important people.. If you want to be healthy, surround yourself with good people. You can find activities where you can meet new people at a club, class or support group.

3. Take care of your body:

Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health. It’s important to eat healthy and drink plenty of water to improve moods and sleep. It is possible to reduce anxiety and improve mood by engaging in regular physical activity. Research has also linked exercising to living a longer life. You don’t need to run a marathon or play 90 minutes of football; a short walk or some another gentle activity might do the trick.

Find an activity that includes movement, such as dance or exercise apps. Get outside in an area that makes it easy to maintain a distance from people, such as a nature trail or your own backyard.

4. It’s time to quiet your mind:

Relaxation and / or spiritual practices can improve your outlook on life. Research shows that meditation may help you feel calm and enhance the effects of therapy you might be working on.

5. Practice how to deal with stress:

Stress is a part of life: it’s unavoidable. Practice good coping skills: Tai Chi, exercising, taking a nature walk, playing with your pet, and journal writing are some of the good ways to deal with stress. Laughter can boost your immune system, ease pain, and relax your body. Don’t forget to smile and enjoy life.

6. Try a change of pace:

Although our routines bolster our feelings of security and safety and make us more efficient, breaking up the monotony can revitalise a tedious schedule. Use a new jogging route, plan a road-trip, take a walk in a different neighbourhood, hang some new pictures or try a new cafe.

7. Set realistic goals:

Write the steps you need to accomplish your goals when you decide what you want to achieve. Be realistic and aim high but don’t over-promise. As you progress toward your goal, you’ll enjoy a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

8. Get plenty of sunlight

Humans are basically houseplants with emotions–and they need sun. It’s important to get out in the daytime to get good vitamins and lift our mood, especially in the southern hemisphere winter now. Sunlight is a significant source of vitamin D. Our bodies and our brains need vitamin D for neurochemicals which improve our mood. 30 minutes to two hours a day of sunlight is ideal, but make sure you keep your skin and eyes safe. Some people become depressed during the winter because they aren’t getting enough sun. Using a special light-therapy lamp to ease symptoms is helpful for some.

9. Watch your alcohol intake (and other drugs):

Sometimes people use alcohol and other drugs to “self-medicate” but in reality, alcohol and other drugs might only aggravate existing problems. Use with care.

10. Get help when you need it:

It is not a weakness to seek help – it’s actually a sign of strength. Treatment is effective, and it is possible to recover from mental illness and addiction with care.

Please feel free to share these tips with your colleagues, friends and family.

And let me know what’s working for you right now.

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How to prepare for the impact of low-frequency events or HILFs

What can we do to prepare for the impact of low-probability occurrences but with the potential of huge impact?

Climate change, solar flares, biological accidents or attacks, and technological malfeasance can all be included in this category – though the probability of these are changing al the time e.g. cyber attacks.

Governments should invest in pre-emptive measures to promote resilience when dealing with high impact, low probability events. But this can be tricky. Find out more in my popular Psychology Today column here, all about HILFS and why we should be preparing for them.

 

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